Esophageal manometry
Esophageal manometry is a test that examines how well the muscles in your esophagus work. It can help diagnose swallowing problems, chest pain, and GERD
How it's done
- A small, flexible catheter is inserted through your nose and into your esophagus
- The catheter has pressure sensors that measure the pressure in your esophagus
- The catheter is connected to a computer that records the pressure
- You swallow water while the catheter is in place
What it shows
- How well the muscles at the top and bottom of your esophagus open and close
- The pressure, speed, and wave pattern of muscle contractions
What it can help diagnose
- Esophageal narrowing, complete blockage, or inflammation
- Achalasia or scleroderma
- Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO)
What to expect
- The test is usually painless, but you might feel discomfort from the catheter
- You might have topical anesthesia to numb your throat
- Your throat might feel sore afterward
Who performs it
- A gastroenterologist performs the test in a hospital or outpatient center.